Initiative for a Competitive Inner City

?? "Why I Give" – Celebrating ICIC’s Mission to Empower Entrepreneurs and Strengthen Communities "ICIC has impacted me tremendously, and I am honored to support their cause. Every dollar donated is multiplied tenfold, with measurable results, right back into the companies and communities they serve." - Susana Robledo, CEO of Cube Care Co. Join Susana, Chapter Steering Committee Members, and more in supporting ICIC’s mission of fostering inclusive economic prosperity. Your donation to the “Why I Give” Alumni Fund Campaign goes toward expanding our reach, empowering small businesses, and revitalizing communities nationwide. Let’s invest in the success of underserved entrepreneurs and celebrate 30 years of impact with a vision for the future. ?? Make your impact today and help us build a thriving, inclusive economy for the next generation. Donate now and share why YOU give: https://icic.org/whyigive #ICICOrg #ICIC #ICIC30 #ICICWhatsYourWhy #WhatsYourWhy #WhyIGive #SmallBusiness #InclusiveGrowth #CommunityEmpowerment

We’re just two weeks away from ICIC’s 30th Anniversary Virtual Celebration and the first installment of our Innovation Summit Series! Join us on December 10 to explore the future of business growth with research-driven insights and hands-on strategies. ? Why attend? ? Learn how AI and digitization can transform your business ?Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and gain insights from ICIC alumni who are shaping the future ?Be inspired by the reveal of the 2024 IC100 Award winners—businesses that are changing the game in their communities Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to set your business up for sustainable success. Register today! https://lnkd.in/gvwEHSqm #ICICOrg #ICIC #ICIC30 #ICICWhatsYourWhy #WhatsYourWhy #InnerCity100 #IC100Awards #Networking #HispanicOwned #WomanOwned #SmallBusiness #VeteranOwned #BlackOwned #SmallBusinessOwner #LGBTOwned #IndigenousOwned #AnnualConference2024 #VirtualSummit #CommunityEmpowerment

Did you know that small business success can vary significantly based on community demographics and economic conditions? The Structural Barriers to Small Business Success interactive tool, developed by ICIC and Small Business Majority, is here to uncover these inequities. This powerful resource enables users to explore disparities in business presence and revenue across the 100 largest U.S. metro areas. It’s unique in highlighting the connection between business success and the racial/ethnic makeup of business owners and their neighborhoods. ?? In our latest blog, we dive into: ? The impact of community demographics on business presence in cities like Chicago and Atlanta. ? How owner race/ethnicity influences business revenue potential. ? The challenges small businesses face in under-resourced neighborhoods. This tool is a game-changer for policymakers, community advocates, and anyone passionate about fostering equitable economic growth. Read the full blog to learn how you can use this data to support small businesses in your community! ?? https://lnkd.in/gPMm_YAt #ICICOrg #ICIC #ICICResearch #SmallBusiness #EconomicEquity #CommunityImpact #ICIC #SmallBusinessMajority

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is dedicated to empowering growth-oriented entrepreneurs in rural communities, where small businesses are more than just economic engines—they are the heart of their communities. For rural business owners, the program provides critical resources to tackle unique challenges like workforce shortages, limited access to capital, and essential services. Rural entrepreneurs face unique hurdles, from attracting talent to accessing community amenities. Through the 10 week, free program, participants gain the tools to: ?? Boost resilience and revenue—over 84% of past rural participants report feeling more resilient, and 68% have increased revenue ?? Access a supportive network—connect with peers and advisors, invaluable for rural businesses with limited local support ?? Drive local impact—rural alumni are leaders in their communities, with 89% volunteering locally and 63% involved in community leadership ?? Applications Due Soon for These Locations! ?North Dakota – November 25 ?Indiana & Montana – December 1 Set your business on the path to sustainable success and make a positive impact on your community. Apply today! https://10ksbapply.com #MakeSmallBig #10KSB #10KSmallBiz #SmallBusiness #RuralBusiness #EconomicGrowth #RuralAmerica #ICICOrg #ICIC

We continue to reflect on the invaluable lessons shared during our recent Amazon A&E Program panel discussion on growth capital and scaling with major contracts, featuring insights from industry leaders and program participants. This week, we’re highlighting advice from Marc Eddy, National Business Banking Community Executive at Bank of America, on preparing your business for rapid growth after securing a major contract: “Build your board for your business. Do you have the right professionals to help guide you and provide advice for you–attorney, accountant, banker, peer, mentor? Have people you can turn to [when you need] to talk through different decisions. From a banking or financial perspective, you want someone who is going to add value and help guide you through those next steps.” Marc’s advice underscores the importance of assembling a trusted network of professionals to guide key decisions and navigate growth opportunities. Whether it's an attorney to review contracts, an accountant to manage financials, or a mentor to provide perspective, having the right team is essential for sustainable success. Thank you to Marc and all our speakers for sharing these actionable strategies for businesses aiming to scale and create meaningful impact! #AmazonAE #AmazonAccelerate #AmazonEmpower #DiverseBusinesses #SmallBusinessGrowth #ArctarisImpact #GrowthCapital #ScalingBusiness #ImpactInvesting

Attention Small Food Business Owners! Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level? Santander’s award-winning Cultivate Small Business program is here to help early-stage entrepreneurs in the food industry grow and succeed, with a special focus on woman-, immigrant-, and BIPOC-owned businesses. This FREE 12-week mini-MBA program offers: ?? Food-Focused Curriculum led by Babson College professors ???? Expert Mentorship from industry leaders ?? Capital Grants ranging from $2,500 to $13,000 ?? Networking with fellow food entrepreneurs & industry experts Join us for a virtual Info Session to learn more: ?? Thursday, December 12, 10-11 a.m. ?? Wednesday, January 22, 2-3 p.m. Program Details ?? March 27 - June 12, 2025 ?? Open to food businesses with $25K-$1M revenue in Greater Boston, Rhode Island, and NYC areas Ready to invest in your business? Don’t miss out on early decision applications due December 2, 2024! RSVP to save your spot at one of our upcoming information sessions: https://lnkd.in/gBXxGHAh #ICICOrg #ICIC #Santander #CultivateSmallBusiness #CSB

?? Unlock the Power of Innovation with Us! ?? The countdown continues! ICIC’s 30th Anniversary Virtual Celebration is nearly here, and we’re ready to dive into Part 1 of our Innovation Summit Series. This is more than an event—it’s a chance to preview cutting-edge research and discover strategies that will drive small business growth for years to come. ?? What’s in store on December 10? ?? An inspiring fireside chat with ICIC alumni sharing actionable growth strategies ?? Recognition of the incredible 2024 IC100 Award winners, honoring the fastest-growing companies in under-resourced communities Secure your spot and join us in celebrating 30 years of impact! Register Now ?? https://lnkd.in/gvwEHSqm #ICICOrg #ICIC #ICIC30 #ICICWhatsYourWhy #WhatsYourWhy #InnerCity100 #IC100Awards #Networking #HispanicOwned #WomanOwned #SmallBusiness #VeteranOwned #BlackOwned #SmallBusinessOwner #LGBTOwned #IndigenousOwned #AnnualConference2024 #VirtualSummit #CommunityEmpowerment

Celebrating 30 Years of Impact with ICIC! ?? In honor of ICIC's 30th anniversary, our “Why I Give” Alumni Fund Campaign celebrates the passion and dedication of our supporters and alumni. By joining us, you’re investing in a brighter future for countless entrepreneurs and small business owners across the nation. Every contribution to ICIC fuels a legacy of inclusive economic growth and empowers resilient communities. Why does Leo Voloshin, CEO of Printfresh give? "As a small business founded and still operating out of Philadelphia, we believe that supporting diverse communities is a great way to give back. Small businesses create immense opportunities in underserved neighborhoods, and any education and support that ICIC can provide is something that we are 100% behind." ?? Be part of the next 30 years—let's build a vibrant, thriving future together. Donate today and share why YOU give: https://icic.org/whyigive #ICICOrg #ICIC #ICIC30 #ICICWhatsYourWhy #WhatsYourWhy #WhyIGive #SmallBusiness #InclusiveGrowth #CommunityEmpowerment

Are you ready to grow your business and win bigger contracts? The City of Boston's SCALE Program is here to help! ??? ICIC's Building for Growth program is proud to serve as the technical assistance provider for the construction sector in the City of Boston’s Supplying Capital and Leveraging Education (SCALE) initiative. The purpose of the SCALE program is to build businesses’ capacity to more effectively pursue government contracts. Through the SCALE initiative, eligible Boston-based construction businesses can receive: ?? Grants up to $200,000 ?? Industry-specific technical assistance tailored to plumbing, HVAC, electrical, general contracting, roofing, insulation, masonry, and more. ?? Expert support to help your business build capacity, overcome challenges, and secure larger contracts. Eligibility Requirements: ? Certified by the City of Boston’s Department of Supplier Diversity or Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (or actively pursuing certification by Dec. 2, 2024) ? Based in Boston, Massachusetts ? A history of bidding on public contracts ? For-profit business in growth or mature stages Applications are open now through Monday, December 2, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to scale your business with technical assistance, training, and funding! ?? Learn more and apply today: boston.gov/scale-program #ICICOrg #ICIC #BostonConstruction #ICICBFG #SmallBusinessSupport #ContractingOpportunities #SCALEProgram #SupplierDiversity #FundingOpportunity #BostonFundingOpportunity #Contracting #BostonGrant

???? Veterans Small Business Week Spotlight: Excerebus Logistics ???? Today, we’re honored to feature Colleen Middleton, CPA, MBA, Veteran, a U.S. Air Force veteran and the resilient force behind Excerebus? Logistics, a service-disabled, veteran-owned business. Inspired by her military family legacy, Colleen has transformed her career from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship, creating a business that now pursues government contracts and provides employment opportunities for fellow veterans. Through the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) program, Colleen gained fresh insights and strategic tools to expand her business while founding the Excerebus Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans facing homelessness. Reflecting on her ICCC experience, Colleen shared, “The ICCC staff genuinely cared about my journey and success—it felt like more than just a program; it was a partnership.” Join us in celebrating Colleen’s incredible journey and the veteran-owned businesses uplifting our communities! #ICICOrg #ICIC #VeteranOwned #VeteransSmallBusinessWeek #SupportSmallBusiness #ICCCProgram